The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the killing of four dedicated ambulance team members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the two patients they were transporting. They were killed when the ambulance was hit on the 10th of January 2024. 

Youssef Abu Muammar was the ambulance’s driver.  Fadi Fouad Al-Maani was a paramedic.  Islam Abu Riyala was a first responder, while Fouad Abu Khamash was a volunteer. All were killed while on duty, in a vehicle clearly marked with the protective Red Crescent emblem.  

These deaths are shocking and completely unacceptable. Under International Humanitarian Law, ambulances, healthcare workers and their patients must be respected and protected. Tragically Youssef, Islam, Fadi and Fouad bring to eight the number of PRCS staff and volunteers killed on duty in Gaza since October.   

We send our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and all those in the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Healthcare facilities and healthcare workers must be protected and respected in every situation.   

Any attack on health care workers, ambulances, and medical facilities is unacceptable. We forcefully reiterate our call for unwavering respect for the Red Crescent emblem and the crucial humanitarian services it represents. 

More information, contact [email protected] 

In Beirut:  

Mey Alsayegh: +961 3 229 352   

In Geneva:  

Tommaso Della Longa: +41 79 708 43 67  
Mrinalini Santhanam: +41 76 381 50 06 

Andrew Thomas: +41 76 367 65 87